I always go to The Botanist in the evening, after a day shopping on King’s Road, a stroll at the Saatchi Gallery. Great place for cocktail, busy and buzzing, fantastic London fashion, jumping from one conversation to another. I recently stopped by for breakfast and what a different atmosphere, so soothing, so peaceful, the perfect room to wake up slowly. It has a French bistrot feeling – ask for a coffee, a home baked croissant, grab the moning papers. Take your time, enjoy the cream and caramel surrounding, the curves, really look at the amazing wall of botanical engravings. It was a lovely sunny day – those are to be cherished in England – and I fancied a splash of colour. In a very optimistic thought (yes, sun WILL stay, let’s prepare the skin for it), I opted for a almost silky carrot juice, full vitamin dose. I love that fruit juice is pressed on demand and is always super fresh here. look at the Mint Lift: isn’t this the most beautiful palette of green? Pineapple, apple and mint of course, extra tasty. Remember – we are on Sloane Square. Did you know Hans Sloane brought cacao back to the [...]

It’s 11.00 on a Saturday. Chelsea is in full buzz. You are walking along and suddenly you see it in the window. The mountain of festive meringues. The collection of cute éclairs. The so inviting lines of croissants. You won’t even realise you have stepped in the café already, hypnotised, mouth watering. The secret is to go down to the basement room, recently redecorated to a cozy lounge with vibrant colours. Now choose your atmosphere – the tender spring green chairs on the garden side? Or the tall armschairs you just want to settle in for the rest of the day towards the chimney? The room is perfect for parties too – ideal with friends, perfect for children to run around. How, don’t you feel like filling it with balloons? A look at the menu and that’s it. You forgot the idea of just a quick coffee and a treat, you settle for brunch instead. Eggs royal with a perfect lemony Hollandaise sauce on fragrant salmon and toasted sourdough bread. And a salad – have a look at the counter, they are beautiful. The couscous one is very rich: mint, coriander, pinenuts, spring onions, parsley, tender chicken and juicy jewel [...]

London is such a cheerful melting pot of world influences… No wonder the Wyndham Grand and famous chocolatier Damian Allsop found this vibrant city inspiring and decided to dedicate an afternoon tea representing the most famous neighbourhoods and celebrate their ethnicity… Come in, sit close to the balcony, overlooking Chelsea harbour. For once, ignore tea, choose a lemongrass infusion, such an enchanting fragrance, an exoticitywhich will match best the feast to come. The too classic finger sandwiches are replaced by crostinis, offering more playful textures. Indulge in the Grosvesnor Square, inspired by the US: pastrami, mustard and slices of pickled gherkin. Then try the Fulham Road for its Spanish twist, rye bread, rich tomato, Manchego, a drizzle of fruity olive oil. The Eaton Place bets on British values – creem cheese hightened with fresh herbs, delicious tender salmon. Scones, in turn, have been infused with the cockney spirit of Old Kent Road. Cooked to perfection, heart warm and sweet, the biscuit slightly caramelised, just a little crunchy – yes, think crumble topping! Add some clotted cream, a spoonful of crips apple jam… Even better on a rainy day. The dessert festival is sure to seduce you entirely. Damian Allsop had [...]

A stroll through Chelsea. Gaze at the modern art in the Saatchi Gallery, tip your hat to the famous pensioners, admire the blooms at the Physics Garden, dine on lobster. Then walk along the Thames towards the end of the afternoon to cross the Albert Bridge, recently renovated. Originally a toll bridge, it was quickly nicknamed the trembling lady, shaking under the weight of too many travelers. Even military troops were asked to break step when marching over it. The structure has since been reinforced and is safe for even cars to use. It has kept this amazing Victorian elegance, pastel colours, fairy-tale like. Very romantic. The best time to cross definitely is at dusk. On the other side is Battersea Park and by the time you have reached the Peace Pagoda, the sky will be painted bright apricot and fushia colours, the architecture looking like delicate lace against it. Retarce your steps to see its 4000 lights being switched on – hypnotising. Three magical atmospheres in a an hour. Unforgettable. Probably my favourite sight in London.

Like diners? You will love Big Easy. Inspired by crabshacks – those casual beach restaurants specialised in seafood and American classics dishes – this address has won the heart (and stomach) of both locals and passers by on King’s Road. Just a look through the window at those fabulous plates and you are hooked. 20 years of success and customers licking their fingers. Decoration is simple and it is all part of the charm. It has this warm and friendly touch from the south of the US – the colours, the sense of humour, the welcome, the menu with home-cooked food and excellent prices. People relax instantly – no need to pretend, businessmen get rid of their tie, families share combos, friends cheer to a beautiful day spent together. A whole mix of people brought together by the atmosphere. We stopped by at the end of a sunny afternoon and decided to enjoy the blue sky a little longer, sitting at one of the outside tables. It just called for a Pina Colada, the perfect holiday touch, velvety touch of the coconut sweetened by the rum and a generous serving of fresh pineapple juice. The range of cocktail is large, some [...]

Of primroses, we mostly know the basic ones, simple and weather resistant. However, hundreds exist, all more refined and elegant than the others. They look like jewels, almost painted upon. Fragile however, they suffer easily from too much wind or sun. Gardeners tended to plant them in narrow and higher terracota pots to move them easily. Then came the idea of shelving to shelter them better… which worked out perfectly to present their beauty as well, preferably close to the reading room window. With time, competitions take place. The Theatrum Auriculae becomes a little stage with a black background for the colours to stand out even better. You can discover a lovely collection till May 06th at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Each blossom is ever so fine, some flowers are double and I can imagine them unfolding ever so gently, petal after petal like the rose in The Little Prince. Even their names are poetic: Old Irish Blue, Cherry Pie, Toffee Crisp… The gardens are at their best in spring – wander like a butterfly, discover the greenhouses, get a glass of wine at the café (cash only), take your lunch to a sunny spot on the lawn… Chelsea [...]

Gosh, so many things coming up you might need to add a few pages to your agenda for the week-end! - Join me in my week-end celebration: isn’t an afternoon tea with a view ideal? - Fascinating scientific and robotic creations… - Kew Gardens turns tropical! - Brunch in Brixton village… - The kids will love to learn some Chinese calligraphy… or lanterns… - Pssst: it’s Nutella world day on Saturday – get a lovely pancake here! - Have tea with a legend… - Where did you put that red nose? - Frankenstein turns to the theatre stage… - Meet the new generation of artists… Wait, are those for sale? - Get hungry @ the V&A Childhood Museum… - A romantic snowdrop walk… - Love alternative restaurants? This one can be all yours… - Come and see dragons dance for the Chinese New Year on Trafalgar! Selfridge’s celebrates it with music… - Keep it real @ the Whitechapel Gallery… - Get those little fingers busy…

When you think of a walk along the Thames, where do you go? Southbank, of course, from the London Eye to Tower Bridge. It is easy to forget that there might be other ways along the river. Chelsea, for example, is a pretty change. Green, lined with tichly decorated houses, it offers a view of the Asian pagoda in Battersea Park, on the laced inside of Battersea Station, and a lovely view of albert Bridge, probably the most beautiful in the capital (did you know it originally opened as a toll bridge? Not a success, only lasted 6 years). Passing by a few days ago, how lovely to see that a little of Christmas had survived the holidays: I had never paid attention to this lampost before – how amazingly decorated: oak leaves, cornucopias, tridents, wreaths… They were designed especially for this embankment opening back in 1874. Hats off! Around: – Chelsea Physics Gardens – Les Chelsea pensioners The Chelsea pensioners – Partridge’s Why not try to see the Thames differently?

Night falling from 16.00 onwards… First frosts and there are talks of snow… Say no to the winter blues and put fireworks in your life! - Did you know it’s Thanksgiving tomorrow? We may not be in the US, any reason is good to party! Have a look here and there for ideas… - It’s also party time in Seven Dials – get 20% off your shopping! - Don’t forget the V&A late opening on Friday – free workshops to create your xmas presents and a DJ… - Wander on a rooftop terrasse with a gorgeous view on St Paul. Free public access! - The adorable Chelsea Physics Garden opens its doors for a sweet Xmas market – we found so many ideas last year to fill our Xmas stockings! - Feel like ice-skating? Try an early session @ the Somerset House: for £18.50, and adult and a child can skate for an hour then have a hot chocolate, a glass of champagne and a cupcake. Or try a historical background such as Hampton Court or the Tower… - Fall for nougat and chesnuts @ the Paddington Xmas Market… - Escape with these beautiful landscapes… - But what can girls [...]

I’m back! Now, let’s see what’s new in the city… - On Thursday, don’t miss this aquatic exhibition… - …or enjoy a free curry! - This way for a free musical @ Sadler’s Wells… - A few dance steps @ the Tate Modern… (By the way, time Out has a 2 for 1 offer for the Exposed exhibition) -… or an alternative village fete, maybe? - Always a favourite: Notting Hill carnival! - Feel nostalgic with this exhibition on Jimy Hendrix… - I never tire of this yearly press pictures exhibition… - Discover a few secret places in the National Theatre… - Treat yourself to an afternoon tea with an Asian touch… - So you think you know London? - By the way, do you know the story of the Crystal Palace? - Yes, pubs and opera can be in harmony, who would have thought so! - Try to get a ticket for this fab underground dinner! - Fed up with pop-up shops? Why not give this pop-up cinema a go? It used to be a petrol station. - Get the kids to learn more abour bats! - Be zen in a Japanese garden… (give this one a try too!) [...]